Camera Type

User Type

Best Cameras For Video

Sure, cameras are meant to take still pictures first, but that doesn't mean they can't also take solid video too. In fact, in a few ways, cameras are better than dedicated camcorders for video. For one thing, they tend to have larger sensors. They also capture more bokeh (those out-of-focus light sources).

While some cameras can take great video, there's also a few big things to watch out for. For one, not all cameras can autofocus in video mode. Which means, unless both you and your subject are standing still, either your footage will be out of focus or you'll have to adjust manually, if that's even an option. Some don't allow zoom while recording, and many have an audible noise from the lens when zooming in and out. Budget cameras tend to have low resolution video. Plus, camcorders are designed to be comfortable shooting video, where cameras are a bit tougher to hold still for that long.

If you want a camera that takes video every bit as good as it's pictures, here are the models we suggest exploring.

Fujifilm's X series is an excellent mirrorless line -- but now that line expands to even more users with the Fujifilm X-H1. The camera adds the company's first in-body stabilization system while adding a list of new features for shooting v...

Panasonic's earlier mirrorless flagships took several firsts for video with 4K, 60 fps video that can record until the battery dies, but the new Panasonic Lumix G9 is photo focused with several big improvements. The name suggests the G9 is the...

The Panasonic GH5 is a hybrid designed for both stills and video &mdash; the new Panasonic GH5s is still a sort of hybrid, but geared more towards video and low light.The GH5s actually steps down the megapixels nearly in half over the GH5, which i...

Almost nothing goes untouched in Fujifilm's update to the X-E2 and X-E2S, the Fujifilm X-E3. The camera sees a long list of updates almost across the board that should give the already good camera an even better edge.The biggest change is the ...

The Ricoh Theta was one of the first consumer 360 cameras that simplified the process with a simple point-and-shoot design -- the Theta V is the company's best yet. The Ricoh Theta V offers 4K video at 30 fps as well as 4K live-streaming and 1...

The Panasonic GH5 appears to be a video camera masquerading as a camera -- that's because the camera's list of specifications for video are just as impressive as the still features. The GH5 is the first mirrorless camera to shoot 4K qualit...

The super zoom category is jam packed with cameras offering the reach that pocketable cameras cannot -- but the Panasonic FZ80 enters the fray with a brighter than average lens and 4K video.The Panasonic FZ80 uses a 1/2.3&quot; sensor, typical for...

There&rsquo;s the consumer camera with scene modes and selfie features and there&rsquo;s the pro-level, high-priced cameras. And then, in between, there&rsquo;s the Fujifilm X-T20. The Fujifilm X-T20 is a happy medium between the consumer-friendly...

Sony may have a successfull full frame mirrorless line, but they haven't forgotten about their DSLTs. The Sony a99II is a fast SLT (like an SLR, but with a translucent mirror) that boasts 12 fps burst shooting while still using autofocus.The u...

All 4Ks are not created equal -- and the Panasonic FZ2500 sports a true cinema quality 4K video mode.4K is technically 4,000 pixels, but most manufacturers will classify 3800 as 4K. While Panasonic&rsquo;s bump up to 4096 pixels is a less noticeab...

The Panasonic G85 is a mirrorless camera that&rsquo;s as rugged as it is advanced. The G85 (not to be confused with the GX85) sports a 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor on the inside and a splashproof body on the outside.While the camera&rsquo...

Canon&rsquo;s full frame workhorse just got a pretty significant upgrade with both a new sensor and processor inside the EOS 5D Mark IV, but even that is being overshadowed by the possibility of making slight focus adjustments to RAW files.The cam...

As a manufacturer of both camcorders and cameras, Panasonic is getting serious about making 4K more accessible. Besides adding 4K to a number of compact cameras, Panasonic has now also introduced a 4K capable mirrorless camera. Besides the 4K thou...

The Panasonic ZS50 is a nice travel camera with solid image quality throughout the zoom range--Panasonic just upped the ante with the ZS60, however, adding 4K video onto an already solid camera.The Panasonic ZS60 still sports the nice 30x optical ...

The problem with long zoom lenses is that they typically don't have a very wide aperture, which makes using that big zoom in low light a bit tougher. The Panasonic FZ300 doesn't have the biggest zoom lens on the market, but it does have a ...

With most Micro Four Thirds systems topping off around 16 megapixels, Panasonic's 20.3 megapixel GX8 is intriguing right of the bat. The company's flagship mirrorless model, the GX8 includes Panasonic's best mirrorless specs to date.Al...

Just a few years ago, consumers had to choose between an advanced compact or a camera with a big zoom, but that's certainly not the case anymore. Joining the likes of the Olympus Stylus 1, Sony RX10 II and Panasonic FZ1000, the Canon G3 X impr...

Sony impressed with the RX10, the first camera to incorporate their popular 1&quot; sensor with a big zoom. The camera giant is upping the ante once again, adding 4k video, enhanced sensor technology and even more speed to their luxury super zoom ...

Sony's full frame mirrorless lineup just got a new update--and the Sony a7R II looks to even more promising then the original. Of course, there's still a high resolution full frame sensor, but that's now backlit. With all of the circui...

In a market where point-and-shoot cameras are largely ignored, Sony has introduced a wealth of new technology in their top-of-the-line compact, the Sony RX100 IV. The previous versions have all impressed with the large sensor and bright lens, maki...

4K video is beginning to shrink in price--the new Panasonic G7 wraps up both 4K video and 16 megapixel images into one mirrorless shooter that comes in at a surprising price.Panasonic introduced the first compact camera system with 4K video last y...

Canon's 2015 EOS T6s is making a big splash with the highest resolution sensor the EOS line has seen yet, packing in a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor. While it has the same imaging power as the less expensive T6i, it also offers a few extra featu...

We haven't yet met an Olympus mirrorless camera that didn't live up to expectations, so we're holding the new OM-D E-M5 Mark II to high standards. Improving on an already solid E-M5, the manufacturer appears to make improvements in all...

Sometimes, the most beautiful images we see are in environments that would mean disaster for the average camera. But the Fujifilm XP80 isn't your average camera. I dropped it in a water fountain. I shot through a rainstorm. I even let my two-y...

As if Sony's announcement for a full frame mirrorless camera last fall wasn't enough, the camera giant is now offering the a7S that boasts 4K video and a top ISO of 409600. The a7s cut the megapixels in half to manage the 4K and higher ISO...

The Panasonic LUMIX GH4 is a mirrorless camera designed for professionals--particularly those who also dabble in videography too. The GH4 is the first compact camera system to offer 4K video, according to the manufacturer. The 4K video on the GH4 ...

A 50x zoom is no longer unheard of, in fact, 50x is becoming the norm in the realm of super zoom cameras. But what's much harder to find is a camera that can take images at the long end of that big zoom that are quite similar in quality to the...

Grade: A-Price: $589.00

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Digital Camera HQ offers unbiased, informative reviews and recommendations from camera experts and everyday users looking to share their own experiences. We're not a store, but we'll help you find a great camera at the best price. Throughout the site, you'll find some of our most popular cameras as well as links to reviews, comparisons, and guides.